A Gingerbread Day

Yesterday we took the boys to the Grove Park Inn to see the gingerbread houses. Every year the Grove Park hosts the National Gingerbread House Competition. After the competition, they keep the houses there for several months for visitors to check out. They were all very impressive. The grand prize is $3000 so they better look darn good.

The boys had a great time running around to Inn. It is a beautiful place with stunning views of the mountains and the city of Asheville. I think I enjoyed walking around the Grove Park more than looking at the gingerbread houses ( that is when I wasn't trying to keep the boys from breaking things).

Mimi and the boys in front of the Grove Park Inn.

Heading to see the gingerbread houses.

Grady and Myles in front of the "fishing" Christmas tree. It had a fishing theme and the boys wouldn't leave it alone. We finally had to leave when Myles tripped over the electrical cord and the lights went out. I couldn't get it plugged in and we made a mad dash to the next room.

Check out this huge fire place in the Lobby. There were a line of comfy rocking chairs facing it. Would G sit in a chair and enjoy the view? Of course not, he had to sit in the fireplace.

A house from the Youth category.

Houses from the Teen category

This was a great photo op but G couldn't resist making a face.

Horrible pic of me and the boys

Mimi and the boys were inspired by the professional gingerbread houses and decided to try one for themselves.

I think they ate more candy than they placed on the house

The finished product. Grove Park Inn, here come the Scala boys. Maybe they can win some cash next year!

O Chrismas Tree, O Christmas Tree

After Thanksgiving, we were all in a festive mood and decided to head into Black Mountain to pick out our Christmas Tree. We let the boys choose the one they wanted. They fell in love with a tall, skinny tree that was missing all the branches on one side. Good thing our tree is usually placed against the back door.

It was great to have my parents there for the occasion. Holidays are so much more fun when surrounded by family.

The gang picking out a tree

Myles checking out the action.

Papaw and Myles

The boys begun to hang the "instruments"(ornaments) on the tree. Notice how they are all in one spot??

The boys loved checking out all the ornaments. Both my mom and Shelley gave us some old ornaments from our childhood. I just love the ancient ones from the 70's.

Grady gave Myles instructions on how to hang the "instruments" properly. Apparently, he is an expert.

Myles, the red nosed reindeer

Turkey Day

Happy Thanksgiving!! We sure had a great one. My folks came into town for the occasion and we cooked all day. Josh made an amazing turkey with a new recipe (he tries a new one every year). Last year he brined it and this year he cooked it breast side down. It was delicious. We ate and ate and ate....we are still eating!

Ready to eat! If you are wondering where Myles was.....he was napping.

What a turkey leg!

Can you believe this face. G got in trouble for blowing bubbles in his "fancy" glass. He was not so happy that I scolded him in front of Mimi and Papaw.

More stink eye. He was mad and trying not to cry. I love this face

Can you tell who made the strawberry cake??? Why, me of course. I swear it tasted better than it looked. My dad's birthday is on Monday, that is why we made the cake. It's his favorite kind. Too bad it was so ugly....the middle sank and the side fell off.....oops.

Myles woke up just in time for cake.

Boys Weekend

A few girlfriends and I went out of town for the weekend to Gatlinburg, TN. We all needed a girls weekend. As I was walking out of the house on Friday, I heard Grady shouting, "Boys Weekend!" followed my all my couch pillows hitting the floor.

Josh took them to the Thanksgiving/Christmas parade in Asheville and then to buy "Yoda swords". They no longer have to use bubble wands as swords. When I walked in on Sunday a full out war going on. As I'm writing, they are playing swords. It was a fun weekend for all.

A Walk in the Woods

Yesterday, I met my good friend, Kelly, and her son, Grayson at South Mountains State Park. I have only been back there a few times since I quite working and it was great to visit again. We took the boys on a little hike. Kelly and I tried to catch up as the boys ran wild. It's hard to talk when you are chasing kids around but we did our best. I think most of our conversations ended in the middle and never resumed. Such is motherhood.....

It was great to see some of the guys I use to work with. Not much has changed. It's still a beautiful park and hardly a soul there. I love that place!

Kelly took some great pictures of the boys. She has a sweet camera....and it doesn't hurt that she is a talented photographer.

Grady showing Myles a ladybug

Myles just had a chocolate cookie...can you tell?

Grady the "bat"

We stopped for lunch.

Kelly and Grayson. He is such a wonderful baby. He's three months and sleeping through the night...amazing! Kelly you are a awesome mom.

Myles and Lance. Getting some ranger time in.

What's up with boys and sticks?

Grady giving Myles some pointers on peeing in the woods. I can only imagine what this conversation entailed. It looks pretty serious and ended with G screaming, "Myles drank my Pee!!" Okay, not sure what happened. I didn't see any pee drinking but who knows???!!

What is up with this pose?

Myles had to join in with big bro.

The boys and Fitz, one of my favorite people in the entire world.

The boys wouldn't get out of this thing. When I asked Grady if he liked hiking in the park he said, "yeah, it was fun but I really liked playing in the little car".

Sweet Brothers

Yesterday, I was cooking dinner and the boys were hanging in the kitchen with me. I have to say, they were driving me crazy! Myles started pushing the buttons on the oven making the temp go up and down. I told him "no" several times. He would look at me and do it again and again. I grabbed his hand and brought him out of the kitchen to the "time out chair". This was Myles first go round in the chair (and certainly not the last). He knew he was in big trouble.

I walked back into the kitchen and Grady was standing there with HUGE crocodile tears in his eyes. His lower lip was sticking out and trembling. I asked him what was wrong and he lost it. He bawled, "I don't like to see Myles in trouble!" It was so sweet! He was very upset that his brother had been scolded. What a great big bro.

Peter and the Wolf

Today I took the boys to see the Asheville Symphony and Ballet Company perform, "Peter and the Wolf". I wasn't sure how they would do as they don't like to sit still. To my surprise and delight, they loved it. I didn't have a problem with them jumping out of their seats as they were zoned in on the music and dancing. Gotta get some culture into these fellows! After the performance, Grady asked if he could have a "French Horn" for Christmas. Uhh, I don't think so.

Heading out to the big show

What do little boys do before they have to sit still for awhile? RUN!!

Grady and his buddy, Waylon

The orchestra begins. The conductor explained each instrument to the kids.

Grady was really into the music.

Bravo!!!